Step #1: Baby-Friendly Policies

Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.

Evidence-based Research

Developing Leadership - 2007 Journal of Human Lactation

Staffing for Hospital Lactation Programs

Defining Lactation Acuity to Improve Patient Safety and Outcomes - 2011 Journal of Human Lactation

Implementing The Joint Commission Perinatal Care Core Measure on Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding

Essential Leadership Skills - 4 part series by Rebecca Mannel, published in Journal of Human Lactation


Sample Policies

ABM Clinical Protocol #7: Model Breastfeeding Policy 

Model Hospital Infant Feeding Policy (Courtesy of the Coalition of Breastfeeding Advocates [COBA])

Baby-Friendly Breastfeeding Policy (Sample courtesy of OU Medical Center)

Alternative Feeding Methods Policy (Courtesy of UC San Diego)

Bathing the Healthy Newborn Policy - USCD (bathe at >24 hours of age)

Hypoglycemia: Management of Newborns at Risk- (Policy from USCD)

Lactation Care of the Critically Ill Mother, Courtesy of Evergreen Hospital, Washington

Sample Protocol for Skin to Skin in OR Courtesy of Integris Health Edmond

Test Weights Policy